Can nutrition be used to treat hepatic encephalopathy?
Restricting the amount of protein in the diet has been used in the past but may cause further malnutrition. Most physicians will prescribe lactulose and/or neomycin for patients with this condition. Food to avoid: Shellfish, if uncooked, can be very dangerous for patients with cirrhosis. Either avoid shellfish or be careful to cook them thoroughly. Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria, can be contracted by eating raw oysters, etc. Can diet help in treating other complications of cirrhosis? There are a number of complications of cirrhosis which can be helped through a modified diet. Persons with cirrhosis often experience an uncomfortable buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) or a swelling of the feet, legs, or back (edema). Both conditions are a result of portal hypertension (increased pressure in the veins entering the liver). Since sodium (salt) encourages the body to retain water, patients with fluid retention can cut their sodium intake by avoiding such foods as canned soups and veget
